Italian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Tabilo preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Published at :May 12, 2024 at 7:02 AM

Modified at :May 12, 2024 at 7:02 AM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

This is the first meeting between both players.

Novak Djokovic marked his return to the ATP Tour with a win over Frenchman Corentin Moutet to reach the third round in the Italian Open 2024. The Serbian is competing in his first match since Monte Carlo last month, where he reached the semifinals.

The World No. #1 overcame a slow start to earn a 6-3, 6-1 victory against the lucky loser. Djokovic recovered from 1-3 in the first after having his serve broken by Moutet and replied by breaking the unseeded Frenchman three times each in the two sets to advance after one hour and 25 minutes.

Djokovic will be hoping to end a title drought at the 2024 Internazionali BNL d’Italia – a tournament where he has won six times. His opponent in the third round is Alejandro Tabilo.

The Chilean set up the encounter with Djokovic by beating Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 7-6(4). Tabilo survived the second round match despite making 33 unforced errors, thanks to winning 45/56 (80%) of first serve points against Hanfmann.

Tabilo had claimed the first title of his career in January, winning the ASB Classic as a qualifier, defeating Taro Daniel 6-2, 7-5 in the final of the ATP event in Auckland.

Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Tabilo match details

Date: May 12, Sunday

Time: 5:30 PM IST (Tentative)

Venue: Foro Italico, Rome.

Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Tabilo preview

Novak Djokovic’s claim to fame at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia includes the six trophies he has won at the venue, with his last victory at the ATP Masters 1000 event occurring in 2022. His win over Corentin Moutet brings him closer to his 1100th match win. The victory over Moutet also means that Djokovic has played 79 matches at the Rome Masters, making him the male player with the most matches at this event during the Open Era.

Alejandro Tabilo, making his debut appearance in Rome this week, has surprisingly accumulated more wins than Djokovic in 2024. The World No. 32 boasts 15 wins this season, surpassing Djokovic’s 11.

Tabilo’s best performance at a Masters event was at the 2023 Indian Wells, where he reached the round of 16.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 0

Novak Djokovic – 0

Alejandro Tabilo – 0

Novak Djokovic and Alejandro Tabilo are headed for their first-ever career meeting when they turn up for their third-round match at the ongoing Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Tabilo, Italian Open 2024, third-round match in India?

The third round of the 2024 Internazionali BNL d’Italia match between Novak Djokovic and Alejandro Tabilo will be available for Indian viewers on the Sony Network Ten Sports channels along with their streaming service, SonyLiv.

Prediction

In the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic stands a strong chance to pursue a title run and secure his 99th overall title. The Serbian star boasts a record 40 ATP Masters titles.

Despite a slower season in terms of titles, Djokovic’s career win rate on clay is an impressive 80%, significantly higher than Tabilo’s 55%. Notably, Djokovic has a perfect 11-0 record this season after winning the first set, but he is 0-4 when losing the initial set. For Tabilo, securing the first set could be pivotal for his chances of victory.

As they prepare for their third-round match, Djokovic has claimed victory in four of his last five matches, while Tabilo has won three out of his last five.

Tabilo must aim to reduce his double faults, currently at 25, and the 79 breakpoint opportunities he has offered to his opponents. Conversely, Djokovic should strive to improve his first serve points won percentage, which stands at 68%, behind Tabilo’s 72%.

Result: Djokovic to win in straight sets.

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